The Franshoek Experience
 
 
 
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Swimming: The lodge has a large sandstone edged swimming pool – but the more adventurous can swim in the dams dotted round the farm.
 
   
 

Hiking: There are two full day hiking trails on the farm (the Kututsa Trail) and plenty of shorter walks. The huge overhang cave, dinosaur fossil and waterfall are all within an easy distance of the lodge.
 
 
Bushman Paintings: There is a small cluster of bushman paintings on our neighbouring game farm. Just six figures and a couple of eland, they are well worth the half hour hike to see them.
   
 
Fishing: There are a number of dams stocked with big mouth bass on the farm. Our kitchen staff are more than happy to cook any fish you bring back to the lodge - or you can braai them yourselves.
   
 
Steaming: Our African Steam Hut is a mind-blowing experience. We normally fire it up as the sun goes down and it is a incredible feeling; getting hot then cooling off in the pool – all under our clear starlit skies.
   
 
Horse Riding: The polo school next door offers both outrides and polo lessons.
 
  Bird Watching: There are 259 bird species found in the area. The European white stork arrive in their hundreds every February from Siberia and nest just minutes from the lodge. The Bush Blackcap is found in the caves on the farm and Secretary birds are often sighted
 
Activities in the Area:
  
 
Clarens: The art galleries, cafes, shops and restaurants of Clarens are only three quarters of an hour’s drive away.
   
 
White Water Rafting: In the Ash River, near Clarens. Full and half day trips.
   
 
Golden Gate: Just the other side of Clarens is the Golden Gate National Park. The main attractions of the park are the massive, colourful sandstone formations, which shine golden-yellow in the evening sun, and from which the area takes its name.
   
 
Art Gallery: The Pellissier Gallery in Ficksburg has paintings by some of South Africa's finest artists including Pierneef's most famous friezes in South Africa.
   
  Sunset Cruise: On South Africa's only floating cigar bar on the Meulspruit Dam. Dinner is served on board while you sample their wide selection of whiskies and watch game at the water’s edge.
   
  Skiing: AfriSki is only a couple of hours drive away. With an early start you can fit in a whole day’s skiing, snowboarding or sledging in before returning to the lodge. Ski and snowboarding lesson and equipment hire are available on-site.
   
  Katse Dam: The three and a half hour drive through the Maluti Mountains to Katse is one of the most beautifully scenic journeys in the world.
   
  Essential Oil Farm: Take a tour of the farm and learn about the manufacturing and use of essential oils. There is also a herb nursery and a chance to buy essential oils, herb products, frozen herbs and herb liqueurs.
   
  4 X 4 Trail: 4 X 4 Obstacle course and off-road sightseeing.
   
  Cherries: Mid November sees the Ficksburg Cherry Festival - but cherry products and cherry liqueur tasting are available all year round.